Antarctica Expedition Cruise with a tour to Rio and Iguazu Falls

Day 1 - UK - In flight

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your overnight flight to Rio.

Day 2 - Rio de Janeiro

Touching down this morning, we’ve arranged an early check-in at the hotel which is located right beside iconic Copacabana beach. The rest of today is at leisure so you can relax and enjoy this lovely location before we meet for dinner tonight in the hotel restaurant.

Day 3 - Rio de Janeiro

We enjoy a full day exploring. In the morning, we drive through stunning Tijuca National Park up to Corcovado Mountain. Here we’ll not only admire the iconic Christ the Redeemer but take a moment to savour the views across the city. They’re incredible. Afterwards, we make our way to Urca and experience the thrill of riding a cable car up to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain - we’ll be rewarded with yet more spectacular views of Rio. We end our day with a brief tour of the city’s downtown area, taking in landmarks including the historic Candelaria Church and the colonial Carioca Aqueduct.

Day 4 - Rio de Janeiro - Iguazu Falls

This morning we’ll depart for our flight to Foz do Iguaçu, gateway to Iguazu Falls. On arrival we spend the afternoon exploring the Brazilian side of the falls, experiencing its noise and awesome power as hundreds of different waterfalls come together. Afterwards, we’ll transfer to our hotel for the evening.

Day 5 - Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls will take your breath away. This morning we visit the Argentinian side, and after a train journey and short walk, we’ll be met by the thundering cascades at Devil’s Throat canyon. At 80m high, this is an immense waterfall and the park’s largest, and we’ll spend time admiring its sheer power. We’ll also wander along the Iguazu River canyon and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding National Park and its colourful flora and fauna. Afterwards, we’ll return to our hotel for an afternoon to relax and later there’s the option to spend the evening enjoying a delicious Brazilian feast with a medley of samba, tango and Paraguayan music.

Day 6 - Iguazu Falls - Buenos Aires

This morning is at leisure. We’ll then transfer to the airport for a flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival in Argentina’s buzzing capital city, we’ll transfer to our hotel where we’ll be met by our HX Expedition Team before enjoying some leisure time this evening.

Day 7 - Buenos Aires - Ushuaia

The next exciting chapter of our adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia where we’ll board the hybrid-powered expedition ship MS Fridjtof Nansen, specially designed for sustainable cruising in polar waters. After a briefing from the HX Expedition Team, there’s to settle in before dinner is served this evening.

Days 8-9 - Crossing the Drake Passage

We spend two days crossing the Drake Passage which connects the southern Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Once we’ve crossed the Antarctic Convergence, we transition to the crisp, colder air and mighty icebergs begin to appear on the horizon. Breathtaking wildlife, including penguins and possibly whales may soon be spotted. Take time to visit the onboard Science Centre and listen to the experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. There’s also plenty of time to enjoy the ship’s facilities including a spa and wellness centre and the Explorer Lounge & Bar.

Days 10-14 - Antarctica

Spend five incredible days in one of the most remote places on earth. Nothing prepares you for Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty; surrounded by looming glaciers and icebergs the size of floating cathedrals. The silence is just as powerful, and a stillness that’s broken every so often by the locals: the wildlife. We’ll look out for fluffy penguin chicks, along with orcas, humpbacks and seals, and our experienced captain will continually monitor conditions to ensure the best possible itinerary. We step ashore many times on landings and ice-cruises and may even get a chance to go kayaking among the icebergs (bookable on board). With enlightening talks from the Expedition Team throughout, you’ll experience Antarctica in a way that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Days 15-16 - Crossing the Drake Passage

We continue our adventure with two days retracing our steps back across the Drake Passage. This sea passage was notorious among the early polar explorers and is a unique voyage which only a few have the chance to experience. As we return to warmer waters, there’s time to reflect on the incredible adventure we’ve just had, and start looking through our countless photos and videos to recapture some of the most memorable moments.

Day 17 - Ushuaia - Buenos Aires

Our Antarctic voyage may be over, but we still have some more to see. We disembark in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s southernmost province, and head to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel.

Day 18 - Buenos Aires

This morning we’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour of Buenos Aires and discover some of the highlights the city has to offer, its wonderful architecture and lively barrios or neighbourhoods. After an afternoon at leisure, this evening we’ll head to one of the city’s most traditional tango houses and immerse ourselves in the rhythmic beats of the country’s most famous dance. We’ll dine on local cuisine and enjoy an authentic atmosphere as we watch dancers light up the room. A truly wonderful way to end our South American adventure.

Day 19 - Buenos Aires - In flight

The morning is free for you to spend as you please before we transfer to the airport for the overnight flight home.

Day 20 - UK

Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.